﻿​​﻿How To Fix Gutters On Your Roof

Gutters are an important investment to every homeowner for two main reasons. They ensure maximum rainwater is trapped and smoothly flow into the created reservoir. Secondly, these water channels play a vital role in preventing water damage to your home. However, for the gutters to serve these two functions, they need proper fixation and installation. Luckily, installing the gutters is a simple task that can be done by any homeowner.

​1. Mark the layout linesStart by marking the highest points of the gutter on the fascia. The best measurement would be 1¼ inches below the flashing metal drip edge. On the other side of the fascia, which is the downspout, you can mark the lower end of the gutter. The slope needs to be about ½ inch for each 10 feet of the run. Before making these marks, it is advisable to check the fascia for any rot and damage for immediate repairs before the installation of the gutter is done.

2. Attach fascia bracketsThe next step involves marking the rafter tails which are spaced at 16 inches from the center. Drill holes at each fascia into the rafter tail. The fascia brackets should be fastened with ¼ inch stainless screws with length enough for penetration through the rafters for up to 2 inches.

3. Saw gutter to the required lengthUse a hacksaw or a power miter saw to cut the gutter to the desired length. In the case where the gutter extends around a corner, up to 45 degrees cut out can be made. Where the run requires two extra gutter sections, they can be overlapped by 8 inches and use 3/8 inch long pop rivets to join them.

4. Attach end capsEnd caps with aluminum pop rivets can be attached to the side of the gutter with a square cut. If the gutter doesn’t turn a corner, you will need to fasten end caps at each end. This can be easily done by holding the end cap with the support of a single metal screw, and then making some drills about 1/8 inches to install a single pop rivet. Remove the metal screw and replace it with a rivet.

5. Cutting off the downspout holesTo mark the downspout location on the lower side of the gutter, you can use a downspout outlet. This can be done by placing the gutter in an inverted manner and placing the outlet on its top. Mark the downspout hole that can be seen in the gutter from the inside of the outlet. You can then create a hole with a diameter of ¼ inch.

6. InstallationTo finally install the gutter, lay it into the brackets lag-screwed to the fascia. The gutter should be rotated upwards to have its back edges slip into the hooks at the brackets. Drill an ideal hole in the front side of the gutter through screw mounting. You can safely put the gutter into place with the use of steel machine screw and flanged nut.

7. Joining the gutter lengthsThe joint between the two gutter lengths at each corner can be covered with a strip meter which is a piece of aluminum around 3-inches wide. You can also waterproof the joint by adding siliconized caulk.

8. Connect downspout to the gutter.Finally, you need to ensure all the parts are well secured. Secure the downspout to the gutter by using four pop rivets. Fasten the downspout to the elbow with these rivets or stainless steel screws.